Football fans in South Korea are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Atletico Madrid for a highly anticipated exhibition match against Manchester City in Seoul. The Spanish club has confirmed its squad for the tour, which notably includes new signing Lee Kang-in. The South Korean midfielder is poised to make his unofficial debut for his new team on home soil.
Atletico Madrid Squad Announced for Seoul Tour
Atletico Madrid officially revealed its roster for the upcoming tour of South Korea on July 6th (Korean time). A total of 27 players have been selected by manager Diego Simeone to participate in the trip, culminating in a friendly against Manchester City on Sunday. Among the selected players is Lee Kang-in, who will wear the number 7 jersey, previously donned by Antoine Griezmann.
The squad features a blend of seasoned veterans and new recruits. Long-serving goalkeeper Jan Oblak is included, alongside other prominent figures such as Ademoola Lookman, Koke, Jose Gimenez, and Reinildo Mandava. However, Mateo Riquelme will not be joining the tour due to his loan move to Aston Villa.
A Highly Anticipated Clash in Seoul
This marks Atletico Madrid’s return to South Korea after a three-year absence. The team is scheduled to face Manchester City on July 9th at the Seoul World Cup Stadium as part of the 2026 Coupang Play Series. Manchester City, having arrived earlier, has already played the first match of the series, defeating Team K League 3-1 on July 5th, signaling their readiness.
The two clubs have a history of engaging encounters in South Korea. Their previous meeting in 2023 saw Atletico Madrid emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. Beyond the competitive nature of the matches, the games have also been noted for the friendly interactions between star players from both sides, including Griezmann and Erling Haaland, who engaged in fan service.
This year’s fixture is expected to generate even greater excitement. While key players like Griezmann have moved on and several core members like Haaland and Rodri will be absent as they prepare for the 2026 North American World Cup, the presence of Lee Kang-in is a significant draw for the South Korean audience.
Lee Kang-in’s New Chapter at Atletico Madrid
Lee Kang-in’s transfer to Atletico Madrid this summer represents a new challenge for the talented midfielder. He joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2023, showcasing his versatility but struggling to secure a regular starting position. Seeking a more prominent role, Lee expressed a desire to move to a team where he could play a more significant part.
Atletico Madrid, having monitored him for several years, presented a compelling offer. The club reportedly agreed to a five-year contract, with an option to buy reportedly set at €40 million (approximately 65.8 billion Korean Won). Lee reportedly turned down offers from other clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, and Saudi Arabian teams, despite substantial financial proposals from the latter.
His decision to join Atletico Madrid underscores his commitment to playing in Europe and his ambition to thrive in a competitive environment. Now, with his move to Atletico Madrid finalized, Lee has the opportunity to make his unofficial debut in front of his home fans in Seoul.
Lee Kang-in’s Preparation and Expectations
Lee Kang-in has been diligently preparing for his potential debut. He is currently in South Korea, working on his fitness. Having been granted an exemption from mandatory military service following his gold medal win at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, his departure for Spain was delayed due to administrative approvals from the Ministry of National Defense and the Immigration Service. This delay necessitated his continued presence in South Korea, where he has been training.
Spanish sports publication ‘Marca’ highlighted the significance of this tour, stating that Simeone is traveling to Korea with 26 players, including Lee Kang-in. The report emphasized that Atletico Madrid is already en route, with the match against Manchester City on Sunday being a highly anticipated event, particularly as it is expected to mark Lee Kang-in’s debut. He is set to join his teammates in Seoul, taking on the new challenge with the number 7 shirt.
Regarding his physical condition, concerns appear minimal. According to ‘Marca’, Lee has been following a tailored training program prepared by Atletico Madrid over the past two weeks. In recent days, he has intensified his training sessions. It is understood that coach Roberto Ávila traveled to South Korea specifically to assist with his training regimen.
Lee Kang-in Expresses Excitement
In his first club interview after joining Atletico Madrid, Lee Kang-in shared his enthusiasm: “I am truly happy and delighted to join such a big club. I am eager to meet my teammates, the manager, all the coaching staff, and the fans as soon as possible. I’ve heard the fans are the best in the world. I have great anticipation and excitement to start soon. Only a few days are left.” His words convey a palpable sense of eagerness and anticipation for the upcoming challenges.
The upcoming match against Manchester City is not just a friendly; it’s a significant event for Atletico Madrid, a chance for their new star to connect with the club’s fanbase in South Korea, and a moment of pride for Lee Kang-in as he embarks on this new phase of his career.
Key Players and Past Encounters
The Atletico Madrid squad for the Seoul tour includes a mix of established stars and emerging talents. While some key figures from previous encounters might be absent, the inclusion of players like Oblak, Koke, and Gimenez ensures a strong lineup. The previous match against Manchester City in 2023 was a closely contested affair, showcasing the tactical prowess of both teams.
The fan engagement during past tours has also been a highlight, with players from both sides taking time to interact with supporters. This tradition is expected to continue, adding another layer of excitement to the event. The presence of Lee Kang-in is anticipated to significantly boost fan interest and attendance, making this tour a memorable one for South Korean football enthusiasts.
Looking Ahead
The match against Manchester City will serve as a crucial indicator of Atletico Madrid’s readiness for the upcoming season and provide Lee Kang-in with valuable match experience. His integration into the team dynamics and his performance on the pitch will be closely watched by fans and media alike. The club’s investment in Lee signifies their belief in his potential to become a key player for Atletico Madrid in the years to come.
As Atletico Madrid prepares to take on Manchester City in Seoul, the focus will undoubtedly be on the exciting football on display and the debut of one of South Korea’s most promising talents, Lee Kang-in.
